Valvoline returns as primary GRM sponsor

Garry Rogers Motorsport’s first season as Volvo Polestar Racing will see Valvoline return to the role of naming rights backer for the squad.

The lubricant giant was the primary sponsor of Rogers’ V8 Supercars efforts from his team’s debut in the championship in 1996.

It scaled back to minor sponsor four years ago beneath Fujitsu, which announced late last year that it would not continue into 2014.

The team will now be known as both Valvoline Racing GRM and Volvo Polestar Racing.

“Valvoline have shared our wins and our success and have also been with us through some tough times,” said Rogers, whose previous racing efforts in Super Touring and Auscars were also backed by the company.

“For myself to continue the relationship with the lubricant brand that is so recognisable the world over in motorsport is extremely satisfying.

“The Valvoline brand has been in existence for over 100 years. Not many companies can boast this type of history.”

Managing Director of Valvoline Australia, Peter Besgrove, added: “Garry and his team have established themselves as an important contributor to our company and customers.

“The interaction between the GRM people and the Valvoline people has been a very rewarding one for us all.”

Volvo’s previous factory Australian Touring Car Championship effort in 1986 also saw Valvoline act as the largest external sponsor.

Valvoline’s return will make it the only lubricant brand with naming rights sponsorship of a team in V8 Supercars following a widespread shift from automotive to consumer-focussed products in recent years.

GRM confirmed last Thursday that Swede and long-time Polestar driver Robert Dahlgren has been placed at the team alongside second-year driver Scott McLaughlin.

Get your daily racing fix delivered to your inbox!

Try our daily email, The best way to get your news first, fast and free!

EmailBy submitting above you agree to the Speedcafe.com Privacy Policy